The creator behind the beloved Mario + Rabbids franchise has announced an exciting new project—Bradley the Badger, an innovative platformer that parodies the gaming industry. Davide Soliani, often referred to as Ubisoft Crying Man, has teamed up with writer Christian Cantamessa, famous for his work on titles like Red Dead Redemption and Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor, to launch their new studio, Day 4 Night. This upcoming game will mark their inaugural release.
Bradley the Badger is set to blend live-action and animation, taking players on an adventure through a series of unfinished worlds and hypothetical reboots of its titular character. Each world will represent a different genre, offering a playful critique of the gaming landscape. The game’s humor and animation style have drawn comparisons to beloved films such as Wreck-it Ralph and Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
A key feature of the game is “The Kit,” a unique tool that enables Bradley to modify incomplete assets and solve intricate puzzles. Players can also engage in humorous combat by using unconventional weapons, such as a frying pan, to battle enemies. Expect plenty of tongue-in-cheek references to various gaming tropes throughout the gameplay experience.
Soliani expressed his desire for the game to evoke nostalgia while pushing the boundaries of conventional gaming narratives. “We wanted to create something that would reignite our passion, reminding us of a time when the world of video games felt truly magical,” he stated. “Our mechanics aim to serve as a bridge between the past and the future.”
Cantamessa echoed this sentiment, describing the project as both a love letter and a satire of video games. “Games are an art form, and this narrative draws inspiration from our own experiences and the challenges we face in creating them—ranging from self-doubt to the exhilaration of world-building,” he explained. Their aim is to craft an engaging experience designed for anyone to immerse themselves in.
Soliani left Ubisoft after an impressive 25-year tenure, with 11 of those years dedicated to the Mario + Rabbids tactics games on the Nintendo Switch. His departure marked the beginning of this new chapter, as he expressed his eagerness to embark on a fresh journey. Earlier this year, the duo revealed their new studio, sharing their commitment to a passion project that reflects their artistic vision.
As developers, Soliani noted a shifting trend where gamers are on the lookout for more unique and diverse storytelling experiences. “There is a growing interest in games that stand out and tell different stories… that’s what we’re observing,” he said. With Bradley the Badger, it seems they are poised to deliver just that.
